Reflection of the Week

​This morning (Saturday 22nd March) I read a passage from Word for today and looked up where their reading came from. It was 2 Timothy 3. You may wish to read the whole chapter in your own time. Whilst reading the chapter myself it struck me how poignant it was for the position our world is in now. 

Verse 2 starts “People will be lovers of themselves.” This is what we have seen recently in the actions of some selfish people who have hoarded essential items and cleared the supermarket shelves so there is nothing left for anyone else. The media has shown us hard-working nurses in tears because they can’t find anything to eat. A friend of mine in Inner London, who is diabetic, dined on croissant with anchor butter, a Dairy Lea triangle and a Mars bar because he couldn’t find anything else other than salad which he’d had enough of the day before. 

It mentions the people being “Disobedient to their parents” too. This week our parent is the British government giving us daily guidance on how we should behave but if you look at stories on the internet or walk to the shops you will still see people not heeding the advice and standing around chatting in groups and on Friday still going to pubs and restaurants when the Prime Minister had pleaded with them not to because they are putting not just themselves at risk but all the keyworkers too. 

It made me laugh, however, when I read Verse 9 “But they will not get very far because…their folly will be clear to everyone.” Toilet roll jokes have been rife on the internet!

However, it is not all doom and gloom. This week in Havering we have heard of church friends doing exactly as they are told particularly the elderly and vulnerable and our church members are supporting them with regular phone calls and help. We have seen acts of random kindness from total strangers who have helped our church members out. One member at Trinity had her shopping paid for by the woman standing behind her in Aldi after she discovered she had left her purse behind.

So for those of you who are struggling, keep strong and let the result of your faith continue to support and uphold each other.

Anonymous